Wednesday, November 4, 2009

When does the SYHO Bookmark contest for the Funk and Weber Stitching for Literacy Campaign start and end?

The SYHO Bookmark challenge for the Literacy and ThREAD Campaign runs November 1st through March 17, 2010. The Literacy and ThREAD Campaign begins March 18th and runs through May 6th. To be eligible for the SYHO prizes, you will need to complete your bookmark and deliver to your LNS or Loose Thread Stitchers no later than March 27h, 2010. The Loose Thread Stitchers SYHO Bookmark Challenge winner will be announced in April.

How can I participate?

Complete a bookmark for a child to encourage their love of reading and share your love of stitching with the next generation. Each bookmark donated will = 1 entry in the Loose Thread Stitchers SYHO Bookmark Contest. Bookmark(s) should be donated to a participating Needlework Industry Professional (please view the Literacy and ThREAD blog for a list of participating shops, guilds and companies) or send via snail mail directly to Loose Thread Stitchers. Please provide Loose Thread Stitchers with the following information to be entered to win the SYHO Bookmark Contest:

Stitcher’s Name

Designer / Design Name

Design website

Photo of design

Stitchers contact information

All bookmarks will be added to the Loose Thread Stitchers SYHO Flicker page with design information, stitchers first name and hometown. This will be a wonderful resource to view the entire collection of bookmarks that will be donated.

How does the contest work?

Each bookmark donated equals 1 entry. The more bookmarks stitched, the more entries you receive and the better your chance of winning the SYHO Bookmark Contest. Be sure to submit your bookmark by the March 27th deadline to be entered to win. The SYHO Bookmark contest winner will announced in April.

What are the prizes? What can I win?

Retail Prizes Valued at over $500. Prizes include:

136 Skeins of Gentle Art Fibers

12 pack of Olde Willow Stitchery Silk Threads

Au Fil des Reves Scissor Fob and Scissorkeep Kit

Heart in Hand Wool Whimsy Nicolas

Trail Creek Farm Nuts Stitch Here Kit

M Designs Floral Fun Kit

EZ Count Guideline Stitch Threads

Indigo Rose The Bee Charmer Pin Pillow Kit

I’d love to participate but I am not sure what kids today are into, have any ideas or suggestions?

Sure! Loose Thread Stitchers has created a complimentary chart full of heart motifs that would be a perfect fit for any little girl. LTS also polled children ages 7-14 as to what kind of bookmark they would like to receive. Suggestions include:

Check your stash and take small motifs from a bunch of different charts to create a bookmark that will get kids excited about needlework and interested in trying it for themselves!

How can I get a copy of the Loose Thread Stitchers SYHO Complimentary Bookmark Chart?

The SYHO chart will be available from participating LNS’s, included in the SYHO newsletter each month, as well as posted to the SYHO Facebook page and the SYHO blog. If all else fails, e-mail us at StitchYourHeartOut@gmail.com and we will send you a copy of the chart.

Monday, November 2, 2009

We are excited to reveal our 2010 SYHO Designer Encyclopedia participants and provide a bit more information about this piece of the SYHO Campaign. We will continually update this posting with new content as we receive new questions. Feel free to send all questions regarding the 2010 SYHO Designer Encyclopedia to the official SYHO e-mail.

1 ~ What designers are participating in the Encyclopedia and what month are they?

Each design will fit 50X50 on 32 count fabric. We wanted to create a size that can be stitched easily within the monthly time frame. Please feel free to choose the fabric size that suits you best. If you will be stitching all 12 designs and intend on creating the designer encyclopedia when finished, be sure to choose the same size fabric for all 12 designs.

3 ~ When will the designs be available for purchase?

Each design will be available from Hoffman Distributing Company to Local Needlework Shops the first Friday of each month. Hoffman Distributing Company is the EXCLUSIVE and ONLY Distributor who is carrying the entire SYHO Designer Encyclopedia line. Please contact your LNS or visit our participating shops page to find out when your shop will have the designs in stock.

B ~ You can view a list of current LNS's who will be participating at the SYHO blog here.

C ~ Contact SYHO if you have additional questions, or need more information.

5 ~ What about cost?

All 12 designers have made a strong effort to ensure that all who would like to stitch the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia would be able to do so and still stick to their budget. All 12 charts will have the same low price and be affordable for stitchers to enjoy each and every month. Please check your LNS or view our list of participating shops for their cost per chart here.

6 ~ What is the difficulty level? Can any stitcher do this series?

The SYHO designs are to be enjoyed by all skill levels. Most designs are in cross stitch, some have a few specialty stitches and perhaps a embellishment or 2. Do not worry, all designers involved will provide clear and detailed instructions and diagrams for the "tricky" parts. As always you can contact your LNS, the particular designer or SYHO if you have any questions or need help.

7 ~ What supplies do I need to complete each chart? Will there be a list?

Some time in February (or possibly sooner) we will release a supply list for all 12 charts. This will help you plan your purchases through the year, take advantage of sales or work with your LNS to kit each design. Alternatives will be provided for specialty fibers.

8 ~ Will a preview of designs be available?

Yes. Your LNS will be able to view the entire collection of designs, finished in encyclopedia form, at Nashville in February. Your LNS will be provided photos for their website, blog, newsletter, etc. SYHO will also create a section where stitchers can view all 12 designs on our blog.